Development of an in vitro micropropagation system for jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider)

Abstract

In vitro organogenesis of jojoba has been attempted using a variety of explants, and highly concentrated nutrient media similar to Murashige and Skoog medium. This study found that, unlike many other woody plant species, jojoba tissue is very sensitive to high concentration of mineral salts. Modified versions of Woody plant medium, and Lyrene medium were very successful for growth and proliferation of shoot apices. A multiplication rate of 50 shoots per original explant in 3 months was achieved in the presence of high concentration of Ca (22 meg/L), and an auxin cytokinin ratio of 20 (2 mg/L of BAP, and 0.1 mg/L of NAA). An average of 5 roots/shoot were obtained when the base of the shoots were wounded prior to treatment with 100 ppm IBA solution for 5 sec, and then subsequently cultured on a MS medium containing 10 mg/L IBA, and 0.1 mg/L NAA. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)